BS ISO 13794:2019 - Ambient Air Asbestos Fibre Determination

Standard Number: BS ISO 13794:2019

Pages: 90

Released: 2019-10-09

ISBN: 978 0 539 00273 7

Status: Standard

Overview

The BS ISO 13794:2019 is a comprehensive standard that provides a detailed methodology for the determination of asbestos fibres in ambient air using the indirect-transfer transmission electron microscopy (TEM) method. This standard is essential for professionals in environmental science, occupational health, and safety sectors who are tasked with monitoring and managing air quality, particularly in environments where asbestos exposure is a concern.

Why Choose BS ISO 13794:2019?

Asbestos fibres are known for their durability and resistance to heat, making them useful in various industrial applications. However, they pose significant health risks when inhaled, leading to diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The BS ISO 13794:2019 standard provides a reliable and accurate method for detecting these fibres in the air, ensuring that environments remain safe and compliant with health regulations.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Methodology: The standard outlines a detailed procedure for the indirect-transfer TEM method, ensuring precise and accurate results.
• Internationally Recognized: As an ISO standard, it is recognized and utilized globally, providing consistency in asbestos fibre detection across different regions and industries.
• Detailed Documentation: With 90 pages of in-depth information, this standard covers all aspects of the methodology, from sample collection to analysis and reporting.
• Up-to-Date Information: Released on 2019-10-09, it incorporates the latest advancements and research in the field of asbestos detection.

Applications

The BS ISO 13794:2019 standard is applicable in various settings, including:

• Industrial Sites: Where asbestos-containing materials may be present, ensuring worker safety and regulatory compliance.
• Construction and Demolition: Monitoring air quality during activities that may disturb asbestos materials.
• Environmental Monitoring: Assessing air quality in urban and rural areas to protect public health.
• Research and Development: Providing a reliable method for scientific studies related to asbestos exposure and its effects.

Benefits

Implementing the BS ISO 13794:2019 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Safety: By accurately detecting asbestos fibres, it helps in preventing exposure and safeguarding health.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to international safety standards and regulations, avoiding legal and financial penalties.
• Improved Air Quality Management: Provides a reliable tool for monitoring and managing air quality in various environments.
• Credibility and Trust: Utilizing a recognized standard enhances the credibility of your environmental assessments and reports.

Conclusion

The BS ISO 13794:2019 standard is an indispensable resource for professionals involved in air quality monitoring and asbestos management. Its detailed methodology and international recognition make it a valuable tool for ensuring safety and compliance in environments where asbestos exposure is a concern. By adopting this standard, you can enhance your environmental assessments, protect public health, and maintain regulatory compliance.

BS ISO 13794:2019

This standard BS ISO 13794:2019 Ambient air. Determination of asbestos fibres. Indirect-transfer transmission electron microscopy method is classified in these ICS categories:

• 13.040.20 Ambient atmospheres

This document specifies a reference method using transmission electron microscopy for the determination of airborne asbestos fibres and structures in in a wide range of ambient air situations, including the interior atmospheres of buildings, and for a detailed evaluation for asbestos structures in any atmosphere. The specimen preparation procedure incorporates ashing and dispersion of the collected particulate, so that all asbestos is measured, including the asbestos originally incorporated in particle aggregates or particles of composite materials. The lengths, widths and aspect ratios of the asbestos fibres and bundles are measured, and these, together with the density of the type of asbestos, also allow the total mass concentration of airborne asbestos to be calculated. The method allows determination of the type(s) of asbestos fibres present. The method cannot discriminate between individual fibres of the asbestos and elongate fragments (cleavage fragments and acicular particles) from non-asbestos analogues of the same amphibole mineral^{[ 12]}.